Take on the high rope challenge at Go Ape, Itchen Valley Country Park near Southampton

Go Ape

Itchen Valley Country Park, Southampton

What's On in Hampshire

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Hampshire is ready to welcome you for an unforgettable year of culture, coast and great days out. Whether you love historic cities, family‑friendly attractions or beautiful countryside, you’ll find plenty to enjoy across the county in every season.

What's on in Portsmouth, Southampton & Winchester?

2026 is packed with exciting moments. Southampton’s much‑loved City Art Gallery reopens its doors, 7th March 26, with inspiring new displays and exhibition, a must‑visit for culture‑seekers, whilst this summer at The Utilita Bowl it will host six ICC Women's T20 Cricket World Cup matches between 13–20 June 2026, making it one of the county’s biggest sporting events of the year. In Winchester, the Van Gogh Alive at Winchester Science Centre on now until 22nd March 2026, bringing the world‑famous multisensory exhibition to Hampshire for the very first time and offering visitors a new way to engage with Van Gogh’s iconic paintings in the Planetarium Dome. In Portsmouth, the city celebrates its 100th anniversary, with an host of events and a 100 things to see and do.  The highlight is the fun and colourful summer of lion sculptures dotted across streets and along the seafront  — perfect for families, art lovers and anyone looking for a fresh way to explore, 13th July - 13th September.

What's on in the Hampshire countryside?

Love is in the air at Marwell Zoo this half term, 14th - 22nd February 26, wander through the beautiful parkland to uncover adorable animal love facts, and snap unforgettable memories at the Wild at Heart photo spots. Start your journey to becoming a wine connoisseur at Quob Park Estate, Wickham, 26th March 26, with a introduction to wine tasting which includes Quob Park's expectational English Sparkling wine and six still wines from around the world. Sping is in the air at Jane Austens House, Chawton, with this years Spring Fling Festival, 1st - 4th May with guided Chawton Village walks, themed house tours, and drop‑in reading/drawing sessions. This year, Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Romsey, celebrates the 25th anniversary of the beautiful Hydrangea Walk bringing vibrant mid‑to late‑summer colour to woodland paths lined with mature camellias, flourishing hydrangeas and elegant viburnums.

From scenic coastline and vibrant events, to cosy villages, walking trails and great places to eat, Hampshire is the ideal spot for a short break or longer escape. Start planning your 2026 adventure today — your Hampshire experience is waiting.

Gin Cocktail Masterclass at Bombay Sapphire Distillery

Top Events in Hampshire

Grab your calendar and start planning your next visit to Hampshire, here our top picks for events happening in the county.

What's on in Hampshire this weekend?

To find out what's on in Hampshire today or this weekend, explore our featured list or use the 'what's on search box' above to narrow down your required date. Families on a budget can look out for the many free events (F) taking place, you'll also find plenty of fun activities for kids to do whether it's during the holidays or on a weekend break. 

Staying overnight?

If you're travelling from outside the area for an event in Hampshire, there are numerous hotels and other accommodation options to suit your needs.

>>> Search & Book Hampshire Accommodation

Hampshire events near me

The guide below shows our calendar of events in Hampshire. Whether you're looking for What's on this weekend or further ahead, whether you're local or visiting the area for the first time, find what's happening near you by clicking the 'Map View' button. Some of the events below are on the Isle of Wight, as it's easy to hop over on the hovercraft or ferry from Portsmouth or Lymington to the island. 

What's on in Hampshire

Inspiration

  1. BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair
    1. 1 May 20263 May 2026
  2. Winchester Books Festival 2026
    Winchester is a city steeped in history and with…
    1. 17 Apr 202619 Apr 2026

Number of results:

Number of results: 174

, currently showing 1 to 20.

  1. Exclusive Christmas Parties at Oakley Hall

    Type

    Type:

    Christmas

    Basingstoke

    CHRISTMAS 2026

    Exclusive Christmas Party Nights
    CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS IN STYLE AT OAKLEY HALL HOTEL, BASINGSTOKE!
    Get ready for an unforgettable Christmas Party Night at our charming countryside hotel. The room will be exclusively yours where you can…

    Dates

    From:
    1 Nov 2026to30 Dec 2026Open 18:00 - 23:50
  2. Ryde Carnival Main Procession

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ryde

    Ryde Main Carnival on the Isle of Wight Joyous and inspirational, Ryde Carnival brings a dazzling end to Summer on the Isle of Wight. All are welcome to enjoy the entertaining parades that light up the coastal town with fun, colour and carnival…

    Dates

    From:
    3 Sept 2026
  3. Steamship Shieldhall Eastern Solent Cruise

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    The Palmerston Forts built around Britain in the second half of the 19th century represent the country’s largest ever defensive building program in peacetime. Ranging from small gun positions and bunkers to huge walled forts several acres in size,…

    Dates

    From:
    7 June 2026Open 11:00 - 18:00
  4. Yarmouth Carnival Week

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Yarmouth

    Yarmouth Carnival Week on the Isle of Wight Events every day of the week at Yarmouth Carnival from Saturday 15 August to Saturday 22 August 2026 - come and join in the fun!

    Family fun activities all week There are a variety of family fun…

    Dates

    From:
    15 Aug 2026to22 Aug 2026
  5. Cadets in Concert at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard

    Type

    Type:

    Music

    Portsmouth

    Music has always played a vital role in life at sea, from signalling orders across a busy deck to lifting morale during long voyages. In Sounds of the Sea, Southern Music Project teams up with the Royal Marines Band Service Cadets to bring these…

    Dates

    From:
    2 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 15:00
  6. Simply French

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply French on Sunday 28 June 2026.

    Owners of all French cars are invited to drive into Beaulieu and park up in the National Motor Museum parkland, for a superb day out for enthusiasts and owners.

    Dates

    From:
    28 June 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  7. Steam to the Solent with the Steam Town Shanty Crew

    Type

    Type:

    General event

    Southampton

    Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Arvia, Liberty of the Seas. Mein Schiff II and Norwegian Star depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 14:30 - 18:00
  8. Portsmouth Comic Con

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Portsmouth

    Portsmouth Comic Con returns to the Guildhall for 2026.

    Dates

    From:
    2 May 2026to3 May 2026Open 10:00 - 18:00
  9. Father's Day Paddle to the Pub

    Type

    Type:

    Water Based Activities

    Beaulieu

    Treat your Papa to a relaxing paddle on the stunning Beaulieu River this Father's Day with New Forest Activities. Enjoy paddling together through the Beaulieu River Nature Reserve as a family, ending at the Master Builder's pub on the riverside…

    Dates

    From:
    21 June 2026Open 10:30 - 12:00
    From:
    21 June 2026Open 13:00 - 14:30
    From:
    21 June 2026Open 15:30 - 17:00
  10. Christmas Carols and Owls

    Type

    Type:

    Outdoor Event / Activities

    Sarson Lane, Andover

    Friday 18, Saturday 19, Sunday 20, Monday 21 December

    Food available from 4:30pm | Flying display commences 7pm

    Join the Hawk Conservancy Trust for a special evening to get you in the Christmas spirit! Sing along with Christmas carols, both…

    Dates

    From:
    18 Dec 2026to21 Dec 2026Open 16:30 -
  11. Ventnor Children's Carnival

    Type

    Type:

    Carnival

    Ventnor

    Children's Carnival in Ventnor on the Isle of Wight Fun for all the family at Ventnor Children's Carnival! 

    Carnival route information For the route details please visit the carnival website.

    Dates

    From:
    12 Aug 2026
  12. Curious About Winchester

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    The Close, Winchester

    Have fun (re-)discovering Winchester, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst finding out more about this historic city. Curious About…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  13. Circus Extreme 2026

    Type

    Type:

    Circus

    Portsmouth

    IT'S BACK & IT'S BIGGER & BETTER THAN EVER!!! THE 'WORLD'S MOST EXCITING CIRCUS IS BACK' FOR 2026!!!
    CIRCUS EXTREME PRESENTS: "ROCK IT OUT" – A GROUNDBREAKING NEW SHOW FUSING LIVE ROCK MUSIC AND DEATH-DEFYING STUNTS!
    Get ready for the ultimate…

    Dates

    From:
    20 Mar 2026to12 Apr 2026
  14. Emirates Great Britain Sail Grand Prix

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Portsmouth

    SailGP returns to the UK with fast and furious racing set to take place right here in Portsmouth.

    Dates

    From:
    25 July 2026to26 July 2026
  15. Simply Japanese

    Type

    Type:

    Run / Rally

    New Forest

    We are delighted to announce the return of Simply Japanese on Sunday 19 July 2026.

    Set in the parkland of the National Motor Museum, the rally is open to all ages and models of Japanese cars and motorcycles and is always a highlight of the events…

    Dates

    From:
    19 July 2026Open 10:00 - 17:00
  16. Caulking workshop onboard Victory Live: The Big Repair

    Type

    Type:

    Heritage & History

    Portsmouth

    Join our expert shipwrights for a fun and informative drop-in caulking workshop! Learn about this traditional technique used for centuries to seal wooden seams on ships.

    What to Expect:

    - Discover how tar-soaked rope fibres are used for caulking…

    Dates

    From:
    31 Mar 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    2 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    7 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
    From:
    9 Apr 2026Open 11:00 - 12:00
  17. Southsea Thai Food and Craft Festival

    Type

    Type:

    Festival

    Portsmouth

    A two day Thai Festival to experience the taste of Thailand this summer at Southsea Common is brought to you by Magic of Thailand.

    Dates

    From:
    11 July 2026to12 July 2026Open 10:00 - 19:00
  18. Cowes Week

    Type

    Type:

    Sporting Event

    Cowes

    Since 1826 Cowes Week has played a key part in the British sporting summer calendar and is one of the UK's longest running and most successful sporting events.

    Dates

    From:
    1 Aug 2026to7 Aug 2026
  19. Curious About Southampton

    Type

    Type:

    Walking

    Town Quay, Southampton

    Have fun (re-)discovering Southampton, spotting things you've never noticed before, with two quirky treasure hunt style heritage walks - a safe, fun and affordable way to get some fresh air, whilst discovering more about this fascinating and…

    Dates

    From:
    3 May 2025to3 May 2026
  20. Parrot Play & Ball Challenge

    Type

    Type:

    Childrens Events

    Farnham

    Take play to the next level as over 1,000 metres of channels weave throughout the Park! Watch balls roll, bounce, and skip along the twists and turns, creating a thrilling, interactive spectacle that kids will love to explore and chase.

    Dates

    From:
    23 July 2026to31 Aug 2026